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Inspired by the works of Arthur C. Clarke, J.G. Ballard and Philip K. Dick, Infinite Summer sees Michael Lovett’s NZCA Lines “marry sci-fi futurism to personal intimacies” to produce what must surely be one of the funkiest apocalyptic concept albums of all time. Indeed, also featuring former Ash guitarist Charlotte Hatherley and drummer Sarah Jones (Hot Chip, New Young Pony Club), the follow-up to 2012’s self-titled debut may center on […]

Named after a term used for trained assassins he heard in a documentary on espionage, Skilled Mechanics sees trip-hop trailblazer Tricky assemble his own killer team for the most collaborative studio effort of his lengthy career. Some of those on board are no stranger to the world of Adrian Thaws, including regular vocalist Francesca Belmonte who lends her sultry tones to the eerie synth-balladry of “We Begin,” drummer Luke Harris […]

As you’d expect from a founding member of studious classical-electro outfit Clean Bandit, British-Ugandan vocalist/rapper Love Ssega certainly isn’t short on brainpower. Born and raised in South London, the 24-year-old graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, then made the brave decision to quit the aforementioned Grammy winners to finish his Ph.D. in laser sensing. Love Ssega (real name Ssegawa-Ssekintu Kiwanuka) is just as cultured as he […]

Judging by all the pre-release talk of shunning EDM, steering dance music back into a proper direction and making a piece of art, you’d expect Steve Angello’s second solo LP, Wild Youth, to be something of a game-changer. So it’s slightly baffling to hear that the Stockholm DJ has delivered the kind of unadventurous, generic and largely forgettable record he appears to be rallying against. Indeed, featuring guest appearances from […]

David Bowie, arguably one of the most influential figures in modern music for the past 40-plus years, died on Sunday, Jan. 10 after a battle with cancer. He was 69. While previous rumors of his death in years past were greatly exaggerated, the news has been confirmed by Bowie’s representatives and his son Duncan Jones (via Twitter). The following statement appears on Bowie’s official Facebook page: “David Bowie died peacefully […]

So after crowning Jamie xx’s “Loud Places” and Bob Moses’ Days Gone By as the greatest single and album of 2015 respectively, we now switch our attention to what we can expect to hear over the next twelve months in the world of dance/electronica. The first big album out of the blocks this year is Moth (Jan 22), the third album from alt-pop duo Chairlift, which judging by its first […]

Highlights From “12-12-12: Concert for Sandy Relief”

It’s already being touted as one of the largest gatherings of big-name rock musicians for one concert in recent history. 12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief featured not just The Who, but a who’s-who of rock and pop icons from the past several decades.

In a show lasting over 6 hours, the Madison Square Garden event (simulcast in movie theaters, on television, satellite radio and streaming Internet outlets across the globe) featured a parade of stars, including opener Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Eric Clapton, Roger Waters, Billy Joel, Bon Jovi, Paul McCartney, Chris Martin, and even a brief, two-song set by The Rolling Stones. Between sets, the crowd was further entertained by appearances from other celebrities, including Kristen Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Adam Sandler (who performed a comical rendition of “Hallelujah” with Paul Shaffer), Jimmy Fallon, Steve Buscemi, Jon Stewart, Leonardo DiCaprio, Chelsea Clinton and others. Appeals for donations to the Robin Hood Foundation were made throughout the show to help those most affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Even with a lineup of this magnitude, show organizers managed to pull out a few surprises (though not without a few leaks). After Coldplay’s Chris Martin quipped that One Direction could not join him onstage because it was “way past their bedtime”, he brought out Michael Stipe (who hasn’t been seen much since the breakup of R.E.M.) for a performance of “Losing My Religion.” But one of the night’s biggest moments (and least-kept secrets) was during Paul McCartney’s set near the close of the show, when he brought out the surviving members of Nirvana and joined them in their first live performance in 18 years, debuting Dave Grohl’s new song “Cut Me Some Slack” from Grohl’s upcoming film. Apparently good things come to those who wait…

Avoiding his typical show-stoppers like “Hey Jude,” McCartney’s closed the show appropriately by inviting first responders to stand with him while Alicia Keys performed “Empire State Of Mind,” providing a moving end to a historic show.

Donations for Sandy victims are still being accepted. To donate, visit the 12-12-12 Concert website, or call 855-465-4357.

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About the Author

David Tillman is an independent composer/arranger whose primary work involves writing jingles for commercials for radio and television, with several film and television placements to his credit as well. David has a fascination for all things related to the music business and the music industry in general, an obsession which his wife finds to be mildly unhealthy at times. His personal tastes in music are in electronica and industrial rock, and include The Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk and Nine Inch Nails (he loves that Trent Reznor is writing soundtracks!).
When not in his office or in his man-cave, David enjoys skiing, hiking, the occasional game of golf, and sometimes just lounging by the pool. David lives with his wife and three children in Los Angeles, CA.